STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE North American Tour Announced

Everyone's berry best friend Strawberry Shortcake makes her North American theatrical debut next year in Koba Entertainment's all-new musical production, Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat (www.strawberryshortcakeontour.com). Beginning January 13, Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat will travel to 32 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada including New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto.

The live show was written, choreographed and directed by Koba's Artistic Director, and theater veteran, Patti Caplette. Randy Bachman (The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive) along with his daughter Lorelei Bachman co-wrote two brand new songs for Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat that are guaranteed to have families dancing in the aisles. Strawberry Shortcake, a favorite of little girls and moms alike for over 30 years, will be played onstage by Toronto native Amelia Sirianni.

The production also brings to life her best friends Orange Blossom, Lemon Meringue, Blueberry Muffin, Raspberry Torte, Plum Pudding, and Cherry Jam and features original and fan favorite songs from the hit TV show, "Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures," currently airing on The Hub network in the U.S. The musical adventure takes audiences to the whimsical land of Berry Bitty City where the whole town is buzzing with anticipation for the Glitzy Glaze Talent Show.

"Strawberry Shortcake has been a part of children's lives for decades," says Caplette. "This show is the first time families will be able to see the world's most famous little girl live on stage."

"We are excited to bring Strawberry Shortcake to life in an exciting new stage production that showcases her berry bubbly personality and musical talent while inspiring young girls to do big things," said Lindsay Martinez, director of licensing and business development for American Greetings Properties, the intellectual property and outbound licensing division of American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), the global rights holder for the Strawberry Shortcake brand.

Before the girls of Berry Bitty City hit the stage, theatergoers will warm up their singing voices and stretch their dancing muscles with the touring cast of the Doodlebops. Responding to calls from their legions of clamoring fans, Rooney, Moe and Dee Dee Doodle take to the stage in a live concert performance that will get the whole audience movin' and groovin'.